Most fifth-wheel campers are designed to be pulled by a truck with a bed at least six and a half feet long. However, some models can be towed by trucks with shorter beds. If you have a car with a five-and-a-half-foot bed, you will need to research to find a camper specifically designed to be pulled by a faster bed truck. Once you have found a few models that will work, you must ensure that your vehicle can handle the camper’s weight. You should also ensure that your hitch is rated for the importance of the trailer.
Things To Consider Before Towing
When towing a fifth-wheel camper, there are a few things you need to take into consideration before hitching up and hitting the road. One of the most important things to consider is the size of your truck bed.
- Appropriately loaded: Make sure that your fifth-wheel camper is appropriately loaded. The tongue weight should be about 15-20 percent of the trailer’s total weight. This will help to keep the camper level and prevent it from fishtailing while on the road.
- Quality hitch: you must invest in a good quality fifth-wheel hitch. There are many different brands and types on the market, so do your research to find one compatible with your truck and camper.
- Practice driving with your new setup before heading out on the open road. Get a feel for how the camper handles behind your truck and make any necessary adjustments. By taking these extra steps, you can tow your fifth-wheel trailer with confidence, knowing that you are prepared for anything the road might throw your way.
- Check the tongue weight: The tongue weight is how much weight is on the part of the camper that attaches to the truck. You will want to ensure this is not too heavy for your vehicle. The best way to do this is to go to a scale and weigh your truck with the camper attached.
- Check the height of your truck: You will want to make sure that your truck is tall enough to clear the top of the camper. You will also want to make sure that you have enough room to open your door without hitting the camper.
How Do You Pull A Fifth-Wheel Camper With A 5.5-Foot Bed?
- Select the slider hitch : You will need a slider hitch to be able to open your tailgate while the camper is still hooked up. Some brands that make these are Curt, Reese, and B&W. You can find them online or at most RV stores.
- Determine the length of your truck bed: The length of your truck bed will determine how far back you can set your camper. You will want to make sure that there is enough room between the front of the camper and the cab of your truck so that you can open your door and walk around without hitting the camper.
- Research your route ahead : You will want to ensure that you know the route you are taking and that there are no low bridges or overhangs that your camper will not clear.
- Check the weather forecast: You will want to make sure that the weather is going to be good while you are on your trip. You will also want to check the forecast for your destination to know what to expect when you get there.
- Become familiar with the operation of your truck: You will want to ensure that you know how to operate your truck and are familiar with all the controls. You will also want to make sure that you have a good understanding of how to hook up and disconnect your camper.
- Practice : You will want to practice setting up and taking down your camper before you go on your trip. You will also want to practice driving with your camper, so you are familiar with how it handles.
Tips For Towing A Fifth Wheel Camper With A 5.5-Foot Bed
If you’re considering towing a fifth-wheel camper with a 5.5-foot bed, you should keep a few things in mind.
- You’ll need a truck with enough power to pull the trailer and fifth wheels can be heavy. Ensure your vehicle can handle the camper’s weight before hitting the road.
- You’ll need to be extra careful when backing up and maneuvering around tight turns. The longer bed length can make it tricky to maneuver your rig, so take your time and be careful.
- Finally, keep an eye on clearance when driving under bridges or low-hanging branches. The fifth wheel can extend the height of your rig, so you’ll need to be aware of any low clearance areas.
FAQs
How to connect the fifth wheel to the 5.5-footbed?
There are a few ways to do this, but the most common is to use a hitch adapter. You can find these at most RV dealerships or online. Another option is to use a fifth-wheel hitch with a shorter kingpin. This will require some custom fabrication, but it can be done.
Can I still use my fifth-wheel camper if I have a fifth-wheel hitch with a 5.5-foot bed?
Yes, you can still use your fifth-wheel camper with a fifth-wheel hitch with a 5.5-foot bed. However, you may need to make some modifications to your rig.
Conclusion
Yes, you can pull a fifth-wheel camper with a 5.5-foot bed truck as long as the trailer is within the truck’s towing capacity. You will need to use a weight-distribution hitch to level out the load and prevent the camper from putting too much strain on the back of the truck. Make sure to follow all safety precautions when towing any trailer.